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Originally Posted by WoodyearJesus i think if i hear the words steeze or swag any more on this forum ill light myself on fire...and im black so i actually like slang. Aren't there any other words for "cool"?

Yep, the Lexus might be odd in looks; however, this new GS is the best handling car in the segment. Heck it even out handled the new BMW 335I in a recent test. Fuck, the looks, if it drives great then that should be enough. Lexus really did something great here, the 535i cannot match its handling prowess. Since BMW does not pay me royalties then I will buy the better drivers car. That and I am sure no woman will deny me pussy for picking this over the bimmer or benz so no worries. I pray they drop the ISF motor in it and this car will be just right for me. Hopefully, they'll give me my wish by 2014.

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Looks always has to account for something. It could drive as well as a Ferrari 458 but if it looks like a Pontiac Aztek or an AMC Pacer, then you can have it.

Anyways, is it the best handling in it's class? Better than the 5-series? I know they've improved the sporting capabilities of the new GS but I've also read plenty of praises for the current 5 and how it's topped the last gen (plenty here loves the last gen too although I am not a fan myself). Keep in mind that the ISF was suppose to compete with the M3 and C63 and while some preferred it to the C63, the M3 is still the overwhelming winner in it's class.

The GS not having an F version still puts it behind an M3 and E63/CSL63. Again, Lexus admits no V8s for the GS are planned.

As part of a social media effort, Lexus marketing man Brian Bolain decided to answer a few fan questions, live from SEMA, all centered around the recently revealed GS model. Among the topics covered was whether or not Lexus would be bringing any other variants beyond the GS 350, watch below for his answers.

Aside from confirming the GS 450h hybrid model and its expected 30+ highway miles per gallon, along with possible combined rating of about 30mpg, Bolain revealed some rather disappointing news to performance enthusiasts by confirming that there currently are no plans for either a V8 engine or a GS F model.

Yeah but he implied the cars were more fun because of the price, in which case you still have to take inflation into account. A $25k 328i in 1995 is $37k in 2012 and the new 328i sedan starts at $35k right now, which is actually cheaper. Just a missed a correlation in the statement I guess.

Yeah but he implied the cars were more fun because of the price, in which case you still have to take inflation into account. A $25k 328i in 1995 is $37k in 2012 and the new 328i sedan starts at $35k right now, which is actually cheaper. Just a missed a correlation in the statement I guess.

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What?

I implied no such thing. Cars weren't more fun because they were cheaper. They were more interesting because the high-end market followed a distinctly different dynamic. Perhaps due to technological limitations (mainly less developed electronics and computers), engineers and designers had to concentrate on balancing each car's attributes to suit particular market segments rather than increase each single car's adaptability to as many tastes as possible. Hence, there was a real, fundamental difference between a Mercedes and BMW, for example. Each company made great cars, but with distinctly different characters. Drivers had to more thoughtfully pick which they preferred--and to an extent, they were expected to learn to appreciate each maker's sensibilities, even if they were challenging or quirky. If you thought the seats were too firm, that was your problem; they were supposed to be that way and you just didn't know better yet. Ride to stiff? That's your soft American ass not used to the way a real car tracks the road. No cupholders for your Slurpee? Also your problem. Cars are for driving, not for drinking in.

Sound like arrogance? Sure was. It was also ego and character. And it was great for people who actually like cars.

What?
I implied no such thing. Cars weren't more fun because they were cheaper. They were more interesting because the high-end market followed a distinctly different dynamic. Perhaps due to technological limitations (mainly less developed electronics and computers), engineers and designers had to concentrate on balancing each car's attributes to suit particular market segments rather than increase each single car's adaptability to as many tastes as possible. Hence, there was a real, fundamental difference between a Mercedes and BMW, for example. Each company made great cars, but with distinctly different characters. Drivers had to more thoughtfully pick which they preferred--and to an extent, they were expected to learn to appreciate each maker's sensibilities, even if they were challenging or quirky. If you thought the seats were too firm, that was your problem; they were supposed to be that way and you just didn't know better yet. Ride to stiff? That's your soft American ass not used to the way a real car tracks the road. No cupholders for your Slurpee? Also your problem. Cars are for driving, not for drinking in.
Sound like arrogance? Sure was. It was also ego and character. And it was great for people who actually like cars.

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If you had gone to detail, then it might have been easier to udnerstand.

The two sentence were in the same post.

I remember, and a 328i started in the mid $20's.
Cars were so much more interesting back then.

And stop acting like you drive like speed racer on a daily basis. Times change, you want to fault a man and say he isn't a car enthusiast because he wants a more comfortable seat? That's what made it more fun? Fuck that shit. I track an E36 every 2-3 months and I never have this kind of high horse shit. I enjoy it all the same. But hey, enjoy your 200hp E36 and I'll enjoy a comfortable R8 that can both be tracked and a daily driver. Who the hell makes up all this stupid rules? A car is what you make of it, if you don't find cars enjoyable these days then the problem is in you.

Told you. I don't get why so many people love it so much. I can't help to think it is just the 3-Series fanboyism. People outrage when a reviewer says something bad about the car too, even though as usual, it is praised by most auto magazines out there.

Never like any of the Bangle designs. Loved my '88 M3. That and my VW R32, first year imported, were the most legal fun you could have under 50K. Now I drive a boring '92 500E. Best car I've ever owned.

Never like any of the Bangle designs. Loved my '88 M3. That and my VW R32, first year imported, were the most legal fun you could have under 50K. Now I drive a boring '92 500E. Best car I've ever owned.

I have never owned Lexus's before so let's make it clear that I am no fan boy; however, the verdict is out, the new GS is the best drivers car of the group. I don't know who told you the F10 535i was a drivers car. Not anymore, even Infiniti has beat BMW at its own game. The new 5er is more in the realm of a 7 series in terms of driving dynamics. BMW has lost its way, they have chosen to make the F10 what Lexus did in the past in this segment. Now, however, Lexus still manages to beat the F10 in driving dynamics as well as beat it in luxury amenities. Lexus have much better materials inside and better fit and finish plus they also manage to keep the weight down and stuck with an NA motor. As for the ISF vs the M3, you are wrong again, go test drive a 2011 or newer ISF and see for yourself.
The M3 can no longer run circles around it on the track. Lexus have been constantly updating the car. When it first debuted it lacked a real LSD and the suspension was harsh. Not anymore, see the latest test of the 2012. It is now on par with the M3 while offering better fit and finish as well as better mpg. On a drag strip it will also murder the M3. Let's give credit where its due, the only reason to buy an M3 is if you just are a fanboy or you want a manual. Otherwise the ISF is a great and equal alternative. There was a time when the M3 really was in a class of its own, not anymore. Even Ford makes a car that can hold its own against the M3. I think as car enthusiasts we need to be unbiased, the GTR and the ISF are two great alternatives to the Porches and BMW's of this era. You make not like their quirky styling but as a drivers car, they both are serious contenders to the best that Germany has to offer. This is great news for us as consumers because now we have a broader selection to choose from.

Ps. Let's avoid talking about looks since its subjective, there are plenty who would say the Z4 you bought is ugly, yet it does not matter since you like it. We all have different taste and nobody posting here can prove to me in absolute terms that their taste is superior to all.

the new M3 is faster than an ISF
and a much better drive
it's 15 sec faster around the 'Ring, that is substantial
although the M3 steering feel has deteriorated gen to gen (simple physics, larger and heavier), it is miles better than the ISF

an M3 weighs 3600 pounds, the ISF 4000 (they claim 3800, but it's been on scales), and look at the wt distribution
every magazine on the planet has done an M3 and ISF comparo (C63, RS4, etc.) and the ISF has NEVER been ranked higher than the M3 as far as I know

the ISF is a nice car, but it's no M3

the RS4 ranks higher in most tests, but I'll admit the M3 is a better handler and drivers car than the RS4, but quattro sealed the deal for me

The all-wheel-drive 2007 Audi RS4 just plain hauls ass. It doesn't rotate around an apex like a rear-driver. It's less the rapier than it is the broadsword. But it's devastatingly effective as a street machine, so it wins.

Arthur, nice photo. I wish mine looked as good. Close to 150K miles and still tight, yet roomy and solid. Nice rims as well, AMG? Mine is 100% stock, don't like what the pot holes do to nice wheels. Thanks for sharing.